Establishes the rapid employment assistance and counseling hub (REACH) program to dispatch a mobile unit to provide information, assistance and other services concerning unemployment compensation insurance at the request of a legislator or official of a municipality.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A5470
SPONSOR: Forrest TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the labor law, in relation to establishing the rapid
employment assistance and counseling hub program
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
The purpose of this bill is to create a mobile, rapid-response program
to assist New Yorkers with unemployment compensation services. The REACH
program will deploy mobile units to underserved communities to provide
direct, in-person assistance with unemployment claims, questions, and
issues related to unemployment compensation.
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1 adds a new section, 541, to the labor law, establishing the
REACH program. The program involves the dispatch of mobile units to
provide unemployment-related services upon request from local legisla-
tors or municipal officials.
Section 2 sets the effective date.
JUSTIFICATION:
Many residents of New York continue to face difficulties accessing unem-
ployment insurance services, particularly in communities where transpor-
tation barriers and technological limitations hinder access to Depart-
ment of Labor offices. The REACH program addresses this gap by bringing
services directly to underserved areas through mobile units, ensuring
equitable access to unemployment benefits and reducing the burden on
residents who might struggle with the online or in-office process.
By providing in-person assistance, these units will help residents with
complex cases or technical difficulties, ensuring they receive timely
and accurate information on their unemployment claims. The initiative
also provides flexibility for legislators and municipal officials to
request services where and when they are needed, fostering responsive-
ness to community needs. This program will empower individuals to more
effectively navigate the unemployment system, reducing frustration and
delays in receiving benefits.
Similar mobile outreach programs in states such as California and Texas
have proven successful in reaching vulnerable populations, leading to
improved access to social services. This program has the potential to
yield comparable positive outcomes in New York, particularly in rural
areas and other regions with limited access to Department of Labor
resources.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
The fiscal impact will include the costs of purchasing and operating
mobile units, staffing, and administration. Additional budgetary consid-
erations will include fuel, maintenance, and outreach expenses. Howev-
er, this program has the potential to reduce the administrative burden
on centralized unemployment offices by providing localized service,
thereby improving efficiency.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately
